Biography of Gaston Doumergue

"Gastounet"

1 August 1863
June 18, 1937
Gaston Doumergue was born in Baarn, in the French département of Gard, the 1 St August 1863, by a Protestant Christian family. Completed legal studies working as a magistrate in colonial Indochina and Algeria before turning to journalism and, especially, to politics. Elected to the House in 1893 as member of radical-socialist, from 1902 to 1905 is Minister of colonies in Government Combes and again, until 1910, trade and industry as a first step, and then of public instruction and fine arts. In 1910 he became Senator and in December 1913 he was entrusted with the Presidency of the Council until June 1914. In the years that follow is back at the helm of the departments of the colonies and trade, in the Governments of Aristide Briand, René Viviani and Alexander Ribot. The latter, in March of 1917, Kerensky in Russia because the Government will deter sends it from defining, apart from France, Austria and Germany with peace accords, but did not succeed. In 1923 becomes the President of the Senate, preparatory role to the highest position in the State.
In May 1924 the "sign of the lefts" gets an electoral victory, but internal divisions do not allow the election as head of State of its candidate Paul Painlevé. This creates the conditions that lead to the identification, instead of Painlevé, Gaston Doumergue, and in fact on June 13, 1924 he was elected President of the French Republic, the 12th, as well as the first of the Protestant confession. Remains in Office the entire seven years, until 1931. Doumergue adopts for a policy of economic austerity, just lay off postilions, grooms and grooms are assigned to the Presidency.
In addressing the serious financial problems that lead to the fall of franco he reveals the nature of his liberal economic concepts: first devalues national currency to its actual value and then gives a strong impetus to industrial growth, especially in the field of steel and cars. Shall also adopt measures in favour of workers, with the result that, while the United States live a dramatic moment with the stock market crash of 1929, France enjoys a decent welfare and Social tranquility that will last until 1932-far beyond the expiration of his presidency-the year when the impact of "Black Friday" in New York will be felt heavily.
In foreign policy, Doumergue gives a boost to colonialism, especially decided with victory in Morocco in the Rif War. After the Parisian uprisings of February 1934 is called again to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in a Conservative Government of National Unity (in mature age Doumergue abandon extreme positions approaching the moderate Conservatives), a position which he accepts unwillingly and holding until 8 November. Gaston Doumergue, who for his personable and ways for its plump joviality is called "Gastounet", is the first Bachelor President, but also the first to marry being sent, although only twelve days before leaving office. The function is held in the Elysee Palace. His wife, Jeanne Marie Louise Gaussal, a wealthy widow and is, in fact, his long time lover.
After the last experience of Government withdraws into hometown of Aigues Vives where three years later, on 18 June 1937, shuts down at the age of seventy-four. His wife Jeanne, fifteen years his junior, will live until 1963, dedicating himself to publishing novels under the pseudonym of "Gilles".
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.